- ACRA search helps verify whether a company is legally registered in Singapore. By checking the company name or UEN through the Bizfile portal, you can confirm key details such as the company’s registration status and incorporation information.
- Bizfile is the official platform used to perform company searches and access records. Users can look up basic company details for free, while more detailed information like the Business Profile can be purchased.
- A company’s UEN (Unique Entity Number) is the main identifier used for verification. It allows businesses, customers, and partners to confirm that an entity exists and retrieve its official records.
- ACRA searches are commonly used for due diligence. Investors, suppliers, and potential partners often check a company’s registration details before signing contracts or starting business relationships.
An ACRA company search is the fastest way to check company registration in Singapore. From flashy websites to polished Instagram shops, anyone can look legit these days. But here’s the reality: according to the Singapore Police Force, scam and cybercrime cases in Singapore jumped by 10.8% last year, hitting 55,810. That’s thousands of people caught off guard by businesses that seemed trustworthy.
So before you engage, pay, or partner, do a quick ACRA company search. It could save you time, money, and a major headache.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to check if a company is legit in Singapore using official records, step by step.
Why checking company registration in Singapore matters
Before we jump into the how, here’s why doing an ACRA company search matters:
- Safeguard against fraud – Singapore has a stellar business reputation, but that also makes it a target for shell companies and scams. An ACRA UEN search helps ensure the company you’re dealing with exists and is legally operating.
- Avoid financial risk – If you partner with a non-compliant or dormant company, you could be exposed to unpaid invoices, delivery delays, or worse, regulatory violations.
- Ensure legal compliance – For contracts, corporate tax filings, and employment arrangements, you must ensure all parties involved are legally registered entities.
- Build credible business relationships – Working with a company that’s fully compliant with ACRA sends a strong message to investors, clients, and stakeholders.
What is ACRA?
ACRA stands for the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, which is Singapore’s national regulator for businesses.
It maintains a central register of all companies, LLPs, and sole proprietorships. As Singapore’s official government body, it oversees all business entities, public accountants, and corporate service providers.
Think of ACRA as the source of truth for company data in Singapore. If a business is officially registered here, it’s recorded and regulated by ACRA.
What kind of information does ACRA hold?
Through a Bizfile ACRA search, you can access:
- Company status – Whether it’s “Live,” “Struck Off,” “In Liquidation,” or dormant
- Unique Entity Number (UEN) – A company’s official registration ID
- Registered business address – The legal location listed for business correspondence
- Principal business activities – Based on SSIC codes
- Incorporation date – When the business was officially formed
- Details of directors and shareholders – Who’s behind the company
- Compliance history – Annual return filings, AGMs, and financial statements (where applicable)
However, through Bizfile, you can perform a free directory search to check basic details such as the company name, UEN, status, and registered address. More detailed information (such as directors, shareholders, and filings) is available by purchasing the ACRA Business Profile.
How to check if a company is legit in Singapore (Step-by-step)
Here’s how to check company registration in Singapore via ACRA:
Step 1: Go to the Bizfile website
Visit bizfile.gov.sg. You don’t need an account for a basic ACRA company search.
Step 2: Use the “Entity Search” on Bizfile
Click “Entity Search” from the homepage. Enter either the full company name, part of it, or their UEN (Unique Entity Number) and hit “Search”.
Step 3: Review the business information
You’ll see information like:
- Company name
- UEN
- Entity type (e.g., Private Limited)
- Registration status (e.g., Live)
- Registered address
- Business activity
If all you need is a quick legitimacy company check, this free summary may be enough.
Step 4: (Optional) Purchase the business profile
For S$5.50, you can download a full ACRA business profile. This includes:
- Shareholders and directors
- Paid-up capital
- Financial filings (if applicable)
- Compliance records
💡 Using the UEN in your Singapore company registry search ensures you’re checking the exact business.
Red flags to watch for when verifying a company
Use the ACRA search not just to confirm registration, but to spot warning signs:
|
What to check |
Why it matters |
|
Registration Status |
If it’s “Struck Off”, the company is no longer active. |
|
AGM & Annual Returns |
Missing filings may indicate poor compliance. |
|
Registered Address |
A virtual or mailbox address isn’t necessarily a red flag, but inconsistency with their claimed operations might be. |
|
Principal Activities |
Do these match what they advertise or offer? |
|
Frequent Director Changes |
Could signal instability or attempts to dodge accountability. |
Bonus: Tips for smarter company registration check in Singapore
- Cross-check with LinkedIn, company website, and press mentions.
- If in doubt, order the Business Profile for S$5.50.
- For HR or recruitment due diligence, use the ACRA People Profile.
- Scan for mismatched info across social media, invoices, or contracts.
How Sleek helps you go beyond the ACRA company search
Whether you’re a founder, investor, vendor, or just doing your due diligence, a Singapore company registration check via ACRA is the fastest and most reliable way to confirm if a business is legitimate.
Don’t skip this step, because in business, trust should be verified, not assumed.
Remember, running a company check is just the beginning. Maybe you’re:
- A freelancer who’s unsure if that new client is legit
- An investor double-checking before committing funds
- A first-time founder wondering if you are even properly registered
Whatever brought you here, Sleek helps you take the next step with clarity, confidence, and zero jargon. We’ve helped thousands of businesses decode ACRA records and avoid costly mistakes.
- We verify and explain ACRA records so you don’t miss hidden issues
- We guide you on how to register a business if you’re just starting out
- We track your filings so you don’t fall out of compliance
- We make paperwork feel… a little less painful
Think of Sleek as your business sidekick, ready to help anytime you hit a “Wait… is this normal?” moment.
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FAQs on ACRA company search in Singapore
Why can’t I find the company on ACRA even though they have a website?
If a company isn’t listed on ACRA, it may not be legally registered in Singapore. Some businesses operate under foreign registrations, informal structures, or are outright scams. Always ask for a UEN or official business profile before engaging.
What if the company name and UEN don’t match?
That’s a red flag. The UEN is unique and should match the exact company name in ACRA records. If they don’t align, the business may be using a different entity or misleading branding, always investigate further.
Why can’t I find the company on ACRA even though they have a website?
If a company isn’t listed on ACRA, it may not be legally registered in Singapore. Some businesses operate under foreign registrations, informal structures, or are outright scams. Always ask for a UEN or official business profile before engaging.
Is there a free list of all registered companies in Singapore?
No, there isn’t a downloadable public list. However, anyone can perform a free search by company name or UEN using ACRA’s Bizfile portal. This allows you to check company registration Singapore status, incorporation details, and basic company information without needing to log in or pay.
What’s the difference between a business name and a company name in Singapore?
A business name can be a trading name, while the company name is the legal entity registered with ACRA. For example, “Happy Paws SG” could be the brand, but the ACRA record might list it as “HP Petcare Pte Ltd.” Always verify using the registered name or UEN.
Can I trust a company just because it’s registered with ACRA?
Yes, but with caution. While ACRA registration confirms a company is legally set up in Singapore, it doesn’t guarantee good business practices, financial stability, or reliability. Always review their compliance status, filings, and do external checks (e.g., reviews, LinkedIn, case studies) before committing.
I found issues in the ACRA search. What should I do next?
If a company shows red flags like “Struck Off” status or missing filings, it’s best to pause engagement and investigate further. You can order the full ACRA Business Profile or speak to a compliance expert like Sleek for guidance on interpreting the data.
How often should I check if a company is still registered?
For ongoing relationships, like suppliers, partners, or clients, it’s smart to do a quick ACRA check every 6–12 months. Statuses can change (e.g., struck off, in liquidation), and staying updated protects you from compliance risks.
Can I check if someone is banned from running a company in Singapore?
Yes, while ACRA doesn’t show bans on the main search, disqualified directors or people under investigation may be flagged in business profiles or court records. For high-stakes deals, consider legal support or enhanced due diligence.
